In what'll likely be a tough pill to swallow, Alberta's health minister unveiled a massive and drastic rebuild of Alberta Health Services that will see many senior execs lose their jobs.

The changes will see the provincial authority go from an organization that has swelled to house 80 senior execs - since 2008 , when the separate health regions were amalgamated under one umbrella - to leaner model with only 10.

The restructuring will include the firing of five top execs and the reassigning of 75 other senior executives to positions where they will support front-line staff in order to put more resources directly into patient care, rather than supporting a bloated bureaucracy, said health minister Fred Horne.

“One of the most important findings of this report is the need for a structure where patients and people are the top priority," said Horne.

"I agree with the Official Administrator, and want AHS to begin implementing this work immediately."

The announcement comes in the heels of a report reviewing AHS' organization and structure issued by AHS Official Administrator Janet Davidson.

The report found the current organization too top heavy and outlined the need to refocus AHS' structure to better serve patients and allow for learning.

“While moving to a central health authority has brought with it many benefits, including approximately $700 million in cost savings and standardization of service, more work needs to be done in several areas including consultation and support for health care providers," Davidson said.